In the Western Conference NBA Cup quarterfinals (as previewed in our full recap), the Thunder demolished the Suns 138-89 by a Cup-record 49 points (max lead 53), while the Spurs edged the Lakers 132-119 behind Castle and Smart. Both share insights ahead of their semifinal clash.
Building on the quarterfinal results that also saw the Knicks and Magic advance from the East, the West games provided further drama on Wednesday.
OKC never trailed en route to their 16th straight win (franchise era-record), improving to 24-1 and matching the 2015-16 Warriors' historic 25-game start. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points in 27 minutes, Chet Holmgren added 24 with eight rebounds, three blocks and four 3s. Holmgren cited added motivation: “I can say we’re a little more juiced for these [games],” seeking redemption after last year's Cup final loss to the Bucks.
The Spurs relied on depth in their upset, with Stephon Castle's 30 points, 10 rebounds and six assists (season-high, dagger 3 late). Marcus Smart led the bench with 26 points on a season-high eight 3s, De’Aaron Fox added 20 and the reserves totaled 48. The Lakers' Luka Dončić had 35 points, five rebounds and eight assists, LeBron James 19 points and 15 rebounds. Winners of four of five, San Antonio has now toppled three top West foes in the tournament. Castle praised versatility: “We all just want to win... It’s a lot of guys who can get it done.”
Semifinals Saturday in Las Vegas: Magic vs. Knicks (5:30 ET), Thunder vs. Spurs (9 ET). Championship Dec. 16.
